What's On in Los Angeles in July

As summer heats up, Los Angeles delights with outdoor concerts and film screenings, including Harry Potter set to a live score and a three-day festival of soul music. An anime con, a bacon fest and a 4th of July fireworks extravaganza round out July’s hot list.

The Anime Expo® is a massive four-day fest that will include panels, autographs, vendors, games, and more, all in the name of anime and manga. Expect some expert-level cosplay, as these fans tend to go all out on their ensembles.

Every year, the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena hosts a 4th of July spectacular, and this year is no exception, as it marks the 91st annual AmericaFest. Expect food, music, entertainment and, of course, a fireworks show.

The Twilight Concert Series returns this summer with a whole host of outdoor concerts at the beautiful Santa Monica Pier. On July 13th, KCRW presents reggae artists Marcia Griffiths and Jah9. The show kicks off at 7 p.m., which is early enough for guests to stay and enjoy the colors of the sun setting over the ocean.

Catch top soul and R&B acts at the L.A. Soul Festival in Expo Park. This year’s 15 performers include Musiq Soulchild, Tony! Toni! Tone!, After7, Yuna, and others over the course of three days. Vendors selling food, merchandise, clothes, accessories, and other goods will be on-site, and there will also be a beer and wine garden.

Little Tokyo is one of the tastiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and now, Angelenos can sample much of it via a three-day fest aptly called Delicious Little Tokyo. Restaurants throughout the area will be offering discounts, workshops, freebies and special menu items all weekend long. Little Tokyo is easily accessible via the Metro Gold Line.

French video/performance artist Lola Gonzalez, choreographer Oguri, and composer Paul Chavez will present the site-specific dance piece “The distance is beautiful” on July 22nd. Sixty performers will begin at various points throughout downtown Los Angeles in what will culminate in a spectacular scene at Grand Park. This show is the first of several performances courtesy of France Los Angeles Exchange (FLAX), a group that aims to connect French and Southern California cultures via the arts. The performance begins at 6 p.m.

For the fifth year in a row, Angelenos will experience both the sweet and savory possibilities of America’s favorite breakfast meat at LA Bacon Fest. Admission includes not just samples from the fest’s numerous vendors but also beer via some 20 different breweries.Vendors include Baldoria, Caked, Blaqhaus, Knuckle & Claw, and more. Tickets are available in two time slots: noon to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is 21 and up.

Famed burlesque performer and model Dita Von Teese will present “The Art of the Teese” at the historic Theater at the Ace Hotel. The provocative burlesque revue is considered one of the best among similar cabarets, and The Ace offers the perfect setting for Von Teese’s glamorous seduction.

Midsummer Scream returns to the Long Beach Convention Center for the second year in a row. Horror fans will have the opportunity to attend panels, pick up macabre merchandise, and sample this upcoming Halloween season’s most terrifying haunts.